D Pharm latest PCI syllabus

The D Pharm latest syllabus by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), under the Education Regulation (ER-2020), emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum integrating theory and practical courses. It covers core subjects like Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, and Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence.To download pdf,click below button

👇Brief preview of syllabus 

First Year Syllabus for Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) – ER-2020


1. Pharmaceutics – Theory

  • History of Pharmacy in India: Pharmacy education, industry, practice, professional associations; Pharmacopoeia (IP, BP, USP, NF, Extra Pharmacopoeia), salient features of Indian Pharmacopoeia
  • Packaging Materials: Types, selection criteria, advantages, disadvantages (glass, plastic, metal, rubber)
  • Pharmaceutical Aids: Organoleptic agents (coloring, flavoring, sweetening); Preservatives (definition, types, examples, uses)
  • Unit Operations:
    • Size reduction: Hammer mill, ball mill
    • Size separation: Powder classification (IP), cyclone separator, sieves, sieve standards
    • Mixing: Double cone blender, turbine mixer, triple roller mill, Silverson mixer homogenizer
    • Filtration: Theory, membrane filter, sintered glass filter
    • Drying: Fluidized bed dryer, freeze drying
    • Extraction: Definition, classification, methods, applications
  • Dosage Forms:
    • Tablets: Coated, uncoated, modified (sustained release, extended-release, fast-dissolving, multi-layered)
    • Capsules: Hard and soft gelatin capsules
    • Liquid orals: Solution, syrup, elixir, emulsion, suspension, dry powder for reconstitution
    • Topical preparations: Ointments, creams, pastes, gels, liniments, lotions, suppositories, pessaries
    • Nasal and ear preparations
    • Powders and granules: Insufflations, dusting powders, effervescent powders, granules
    • Sterile formulations: Injectables, eye drops, eye ointments
    • Immunological products: Sera, vaccines, toxoids, manufacturing methods
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Basic structure, layout, sections, activities; Quality control, quality assurance, cGMP, calibration, validation
  • Novel Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction, classification, examples, advantages, challenges

2. Pharmaceutical Chemistry – Theory

  • Introduction: Sources and types of errors (accuracy, precision, significant figures); Impurities in pharmaceuticals (sources, effects, limit tests for chlorides, sulphates, iron, heavy metals, arsenic)
  • Volumetric Analysis: Fundamentals, acid-base titration, non-aqueous titration, precipitation titration, complexometric titration, redox titration; Gravimetric analysis (principle, method)
  • Inorganic Pharmaceuticals: Formulations, market preparations, storage, uses of:
    • Haematinics: Ferrous sulphate, ferrous fumarate, ferric ammonium citrate, ferrous ascorbate, carbonyl iron
    • Gastro-intestinal agents: Antacids (aluminium hydroxide gel, magnesium hydroxide, magaldrate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate), acidifying agents, adsorbents, protectives, cathartics
    • Topical agents: Silver nitrate, ionic silver, chlorhexidine gluconate, hydrogen peroxide, boric acid, bleaching powder, potassium permanganate
    • Dental products: Calcium carbonate, sodium fluoride, denture cleaners, adhesives, mouth washes
    • Medicinal gases: Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, oxygen
  • Organic Nomenclature: Heterocyclic compounds (up to three rings)
  • Medicinal Compounds (classification, chemical name, structure*, uses, stability, storage, formulations, brand names):
    • CNS Drugs: Anaesthetics (Thiopental Sodium*, Ketamine Hydrochloride*, Propofol), Sedatives/Hypnotics (Diazepam*, Alprazolam*, Nitrazepam, Phenobarbital*), Antipsychotics (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride*, Haloperidol*, Risperidone*, etc.), Anticonvulsants (Phenytoin*, Carbamazepine*, etc.), Anti-Depressants (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride*, Imipramine Hydrochloride*, etc.)
    • ANS Drugs: Sympathomimetics (Nor-Epinephrine*, Epinephrine, etc.), Adrenergic antagonists (Tolazoline, Phentolamine, etc.), Cholinergic drugs (Acetylcholine*, Carbachol, etc.), Cholinergic blockers (Atropine Sulphate*, Ipratropium Bromide, etc.)
    • Cardiovascular Drugs: Anti-Arrhythmic (Quinidine Sulphate, etc.), Anti-Hypertensive (Propranolol*, Captopril*, etc.), Antianginal (Isosorbide Dinitrate)
    • Diuretics: Acetazolamide, Frusemide*, etc.
    • Hypoglycemic Agents: Insulin, Metformin*, Glibenclamide*, etc.
    • Analgesic/Anti-Inflammatory: Morphine analogues, NSAIDs (Aspirin*, Diclofenac, etc.)
    • Anti-Infective Agents: Antifungal (Amphotericin-B, etc.), Urinary tract anti-infectives (Norfloxacin, etc.), Anti-Tubercular (INH*, Ethambutol, etc.), Antiviral (Acyclovir*, etc.), Antimalarials (Quinine Sulphate, etc.), Sulfonamides (Sulfanilamide, etc.)
    • Antibiotics: Penicillin G, Amoxicillin*, etc.
    • Anti-Neoplastic Agents: Cyclophosphamide*, Busulfan, etc.

*Chemical structure studied for marked compounds.


3. Pharmacognosy – Theory

  • Introduction: Definition, history, present status, scope of Pharmacognosy
  • Classification of Drugs: Alphabetical, taxonomical, morphological, pharmacological, chemical, chemo-taxonomical
  • Quality Control: Adulteration methods, evaluation of crude drugs
  • Phytoconstituents: Occurrence, distribution, isolation, identification tests, therapeutic activity, pharmaceutical applications of alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, volatile oils, tannins, resins
  • Crude Drugs (biological source, chemical constituents, therapeutic efficacy):
    • Laxatives: Aloe, Castor oil, Ispaghula, Senna
    • Cardiotonic: Digitalis
    • Carminatives & G.I. Regulators: Coriander, Fennel, Cardamom, Ginger, Clove, Black Pepper, Asafoetida, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
    • Astringents: Myrobalan, Black Catechu, Pale Catechu
    • Nervous System Drugs: Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, Ephedra, Opium, Tea leaves, Coffee seeds, Coca
    • Anti-Hypertensive: Rauwolfia
    • Anti-Tussive: Vasaka, Tolu Balsam
    • Anti-Rheumatics: Colchicum seed
    • Anti-Tumour: Vinca, Podophyllum
    • Antidiabetics: Pterocarpus, Gymnema
    • Diuretics: Gokhru, Punarnava
    • Anti-Dysenteric: Ipecacuanha
    • Antiseptics/Disinfectants: Benzoin, Myrrh, Neem, Turmeric
    • Antimalarials: Cinchona, Artemisia
    • Oxytocic: Ergot
    • Vitamins: Cod liver oil, Shark liver oil
    • Enzymes: Papaya, Diastase, Pancreatin, Yeast
    • Pharmaceutical Aids: Kaolin, Lanolin, Beeswax, Acacia, Tragacanth, Sodium alginate, Agar, Guar gum, Gelatine
    • Miscellaneous: Squill, Galls, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Guggul
  • Plant Fibers and Surgical Dressings: Cotton, silk, wool, regenerated fibers; Sutures (surgical catgut, ligatures)
  • Traditional Systems of Medicine: Principles of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy; Ayurvedic formulations (Arista, Asava, Gutika, Taila capsules, Churna, Lehya granules, Bhasma)
  • Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Role in national economy, export potential
  • Herbs as Health Food: Nutraceuticals, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, dietary fibers, omega-3 fatty acids, Spirulina, carotenoids, soya, garlic
  • Herbal Formulations: Introduction

4. Human Anatomy & Physiology – Theory

  • Introduction to Human body: Anatomy, physiology, basic terminology, cell structure, tissues
  • Skeletal System: Structure, composition, functions; bones, joints; bone disorders
  • Muscular System: Types, structure, functions; muscle contraction, aids; disorders
  • Nervous System: Structure, functions; CNS, PNS, ANS); reflex actions; disorders
  • Cardiovascular System: Heart anatomy, blood vessels, circulation, blood pressure; disorders (hypertension, angina)
  • Respiratory System: Anatomy, organs, respiration mechanism; lung volumes; disorders (asthma, COPD)
  • Digestive System: Anatomy, digestion, absorption; disorders (peptic ulcer, GERD)
  • Urinary System: Kidney structure, urine formation; renal disorders
  • Endocrine System: Major glands, hormones; disorders (diabetes, thyroid)
  • Reproductive System: Male/female organs, functions; reproductive health
  • Special Senses: Eye, ear, skin; structure, functions; disorders
  • Lymphatic and Immune System: Structure, functions; immune responses, basic immunology

5. Social Pharmacy – Theory

  • Introduction: Definition, scope, role of pharmacists in public health
  • Health and Disease Concepts: WHO definition, determinants of health; communicable/non-communicable diseases
  • Preventive Healthcare: Immunization, nutrition, sanitation, environmental health
  • National Health Programs: Pharmacists role in TB, HIV, family welfare programs.
  • Health Education: Counseling for chronic diseases, minor ailments
  • Community Pharmacy: Role in health screening, awareness campaigns, OTC drug counseling
  • Environmental Health: Water purification, waste management, pollution control
  • Pharmacoeconomics: Basics, cost-effectiveness of health interventions

This syllabus focuses on theoretical content for the first year of the D.Pharm program as per ER-2020, excluding practicals, course codes, durations, objectives, and scope, formatted with clear sections and dividers.

Second Year Syllabus for Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) – ER-2020


1. Pharmacology – Theory

  • General Pharmacology: Introduction, definitions, drug nomenclature, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion), pharmacodynamics (mechanism of action, receptors, dose-response relationship), adverse drug reactions, drug interactions
  • Drugs Acting on Central Nervous System: General anaesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, analgesics (opioid, non-opioid), NSAIDs, antiepileptics, antiparkinsonian drugs, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics
  • Drugs Acting on Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathomimetics, sympatholytics, parasympathomimetics, parasympatholytics, ganglionic stimulants, blockers
  • Drugs Acting on Cardiovascular System: Antihypertensives, antianginals, antiarrhythmics, drugs for heart failure, hypolipidemic agents
  • Drugs Acting on Respiratory System: Bronchodilators, expectorants, antitussives, nasal decongestants, respiratory stimulants
  • Drugs Acting on Digestive System: Antacids, antiulcer drugs, laxatives, antidiarrhoeals, emetics, antiemetics, appetizers
  • Endocrine Pharmacology: Thyroid/antithyroid drugs, insulin, oral hypoglycemics, corticosteroids, sex hormones, contraceptives, oxytocin, drugs acting on uterus
  • Chemotherapy: General principles, sulfonamides, antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, macrolides), antitubercular drugs, antileprotic drugs, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, antiamoebics, anthelmintics, anticancer drugs
  • Miscellaneous Drugs: Diuretics, autacoids (histamine, antihistamines, prostaglandins), immunosuppressants, vitamins, minerals
  • Clinical Pharmacology: Drug use in special conditions (pregnancy, lactation, pediatrics, geriatrics), rational drug use, essential drugs concept

2. Community Pharmacy & Management – Theory

  • Community Pharmacy Practice: Definition, scope, roles, responsibilities of community pharmacist, code of ethics
  • Prescription Handling: Parts of prescription, legal requirements, handling, dispensing errors, patient counseling
  • Inventory Management: Inventory control techniques, purchasing, storage of drugs, expiry date management, handling of narcotics, cold chain management
  • Pharmacy Store Management: Design layout, storage conditions, good storage practices, records maintenance
  • Patient Counseling: Communication skills, counseling for chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, asthma), OTC drugs, medication adherence
  • Health Screening Services: Monitoring BP, blood glucose, cholesterol, BMI, lung function tests
  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Definition, selection criteria, dispensing, counseling for minor ailments
  • Pharmaceutical Care: Concept, principles, drug-related problems, medication therapy management
  • Health Promotion: Role in immunization, family planning, smoking cessation, nutrition counseling
  • Pharmacy Management Principles: Financial management, budgeting, marketing, human resource management
  • Drug Information Services: Sources of drug information, responding to queries, poison information
  • Legal Aspects: Pharmacy Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, DPCO (Drug Price Control Order), consumer protection laws

3. Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology – Theory

  • Introduction to Biochemistry: Scope, importance, biochemical role of cells, basic metabolism
  • Carbohydrates: Structure, classification, metabolism (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, TCA cycle), biochemical tests, clinical significance (diabetes, hypoglycemia)
  • Proteins: Structure, classification, amino acid metabolism, urea cycle, biochemical tests, clinical significance (protein deficiency disorders)
  • Lipids: Structure, classification, metabolism (beta-oxidation, ketogenesis, cholesterol metabolism), biochemical tests, clinical significance (atherosclerosis, obesity)
  • Nucleic Acids: Structure, DNA replication, transcription, translation, clinical significance (genetic disorders)
  • Enzymes: Classification, mechanism of action, factors affecting enzyme activity, coenzymes, clinical significance (enzyme diagnostics)
  • **Vitamins and Minerals: Biochemical role, deficiency disorders, clinical significance
  • Hormones: Classification, mechanism of action, biochemical role, clinical significance (hormonal imbalances)
  • Clinical Pathology: Introduction, collection, preservation, analysis of biological samples (blood, urine, stool)
  • Hematology: Composition of blood, hemoglobin estimation, RBC, WBC, platelet count, ESR, blood groups, clinical significance (anemia, leukemia)
  • Urine Analysis: Physical, chemical, microscopic examination, abnormal constituents (proteinuria, glycosuria, ketonuria)
  • Liver Function Tests: Bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, clinical significance (jaundice, hepatitis)
  • Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine, urea, uric acid, electrolytes, clinical significance (renal failure)
  • Lipid Profile: Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, clinical significance (dyslipidemia)
  • Immunological Tests: Basic concepts, diagnostic applications (ELISA, HIV testing)

4. Pharmacotherapeutics – Theory

  • **Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics: Definition, scope, rational drug therapy, evidence-based medicine
  • Cardiovascular Disorders: Hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias
  • Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, Asthma, COPD
  • Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes mellitus type 1, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome
  • CNS Disorders: Epilepsy, depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, migraine
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Peptic ulcer, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, constipation
  • Infectious Diseases: Tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, fungal infections, malaria, typhoid, amoebiasis
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis
  • Hematological Disorders: Anemia (iron deficiency, megaloblastic, sickle cell), bleeding disorders
  • Dermatological Disorders: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, fungal infections
  • Oncology: Basic principles of cancer, common chemotherapeutic agents, supportive care
  • Ophthalmic Disorders: Conjunctivitis, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome
  • Women’s Health: Contraception, menopause, pregnancy-related conditions, dysmenorrhea
  • Drug Therapy Monitoring: Therapeutic drug monitoring, adverse drug reaction monitoring, patient compliance
  • Emergency Management: Basic principles of managing poisoning, snake bites, burns, anaphylaxis

5. Pharmacy Law & Ethics – Theory

  • Introduction to Pharmacy Laws: Objectives, scope, legal framework for pharmacy practice in India
  • Pharmacy Act, 1948: Objectives, Pharmacy Council of India, State Pharmacy Councils, registration of pharmacists, offenses, penalties
  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules, 1945: Objectives, definitions, import, manufacture, sale, labeling, packaging of drugs, Schedules (C, H, G, X), adulterated, spurious, misbranded drugs
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: Objectives, controlled substances, offenses, penalties, opium poppy cultivation
  • Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954: Objectives, prohibited advertisements, enforcement
  • Drug Price Control Order (DPCO): Objectives, pricing of essential medicines, ceiling prices, enforcement
  • Poison Act, 1919: Regulation of poisons, sale, storage, handling
  • Medicinal and Toilet Preparations (Excise Duties) Act, 1955: Regulation of alcohol-based preparations, duties
  • Patents Act, 1970: Basics of patents, patenting in pharmaceuticals, intellectual property rights
  • Consumer Protection Act, 1986: Relevance to pharmacy, consumer rights, redressal mechanisms
  • Code of Pharmaceutical Ethics: Ethical principles, professional conduct, pharmacist’s oath, ethical dilemmas
  • Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971: Provisions, pharmacist’s role
  • Clinical Trials: Ethical considerations, regulations, good clinical practices
  • Biomedical Waste Management: Rules, handling, disposal of pharmaceutical waste

6. Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy – Theory

  • Hospital Pharmacy: Definition, scope, organization, functions, hospital pharmacy standards
  • Hospital Organization: Structure, departments, hospital formulary, pharmacy, therapeutics committee
  • Drug Distribution Systems: Inpatient (floor stock, individual prescription), outpatient, unit dose dispensing, centralized, decentralized systems
  • Sterile Preparations: Manufacturing, TPN, IV admixtures, cytotoxic handling, aseptic techniques
  • Drug Procurement and Storage: Purchasing, tendering, storage conditions, cold chain, narcotic storage
  • Dispensing in Hospitals: Prescription filling, labeling, patient counseling, handling high-risk medications
  • Clinical Pharmacy: Definition, scope, drug therapy monitoring, patient data analysis, ward round participation
  • Drug Information Services: Drug information center, resources, answering queries, poison information
  • Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring: Detection, reporting, pharmacovigilance, causality assessment
  • Medication Errors: Types, causes, prevention, reporting
  • Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Principles, drugs requiring monitoring (e.g., phenytoin, digoxin), interpretation
  • Patient Counseling: Medication use, adherence, lifestyle modifications, chronic disease management
  • Hospital Infection Control: Role of pharmacist, sterilization, disinfection, antimicrobial stewardship
  • Radiopharmaceuticals: Basics, handling, safety precautions
  • Medical Gases: Storage, use, safety in hospitals

This syllabus outlines the theoretical content for the second year of the D.Pharm program as per ER-2020, excluding practicals, course codes, durations, objectives, and scope, formatted with clear sections and dividers.

Does it is the latest syllabus ?

Yes it is the latest syllabus for D Pharm students,provided by Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)

What is the latest D Pharm syllabus as per PCI?

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has prescribed a new D Pharm syllabus to update teaching methods, practicals, and curriculum according to modern pharmaceutical needs.

From which year is the new PCI D Pharm syllabus applicable?

The revised syllabus is applicable from the academic session 2020–21 onwards for all pharmacy institutions approved by PCI.

How many years does the D Pharm course take to complete?

D Pharm is a 2-year diploma course, followed by a 3-month internship or practical training.

What are the major subjects in the new D Pharm syllabus?

The key subjects include Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Biochemistry, Clinical Pharmacy, and Social Pharmacy.

Are hospital and community pharmacy included in the new D Pharm syllabus?

Yes, the revised syllabus gives more emphasis on Hospital Pharmacy and Community Pharmacy to align with healthcare needs.

Does the new syllabus include digital or modern learning methods?

Yes, PCI has recommended the use of e-learning, case-based studies, hospital exposure, and community pharmacy practices.

What are the practical components in the new syllabus?

The syllabus includes extensive practicals in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, and Hospital/Clinical Pharmacy to build strong hands-on skills.

What are the career opportunities after completing D Pharm with the new syllabus?

You can work as pharmacists in hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical industries, drug regulatory bodies, or pursue B Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) for higher studies.

Where can I download the official PCI D Pharm syllabus PDF?

You can download the official syllabus directly from the website pharmacyhelper.in or from Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) official website under the “Education Regulations” section.


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